Sanctuary Views

The Feast of St. Francis gives us a precious glimpse into the structure of Christian faith.

Why was the second son unable to do what he said he would? Why are we unable to do what we say we need to do? Homily for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Why is it difficult to be happy for the good fortune of others? Jesus said it's envy, and the Saints explain what gives rise to our envy. Homily for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time.

How can destructive cycles be broken? Homily for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Jesus provided straightforward steps for reconciliation. The question is: will we follow them? Homily for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time.

St. Peter was given special authority, it is true, but God has shared his power and authority with you, too, and he's done so with a specific purpose in mind. Homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time.

It's a little bit like Jesus' words to the Canaanite woman. On the surface they sound cruel, but if we persevere in our search for understanding, hope is kindled. Homily for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Jesus' parable of the weeds and wheat helps us to experience our limited vision and need for mercy. Homily for the Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Homily for the 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Every path through life and every form of government--especially self-government--has its own yoke and burden. There's a good reason why Jesus could say: "My yoke is easy and my burden light." Homily for the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time and the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.

Refreshing others and being refreshed as we find our life by losing it. Homily for the Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Jesus doesn't only say, "Fear no one" but also "be afraid." Ordering our fears properly helps us to overcome adversity. Homily for the Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time and Father's Day.

Jesus called twelve real people with real lives and with real sin, all of which they were called to leave behind to follow Him. But leaving those things is not a onetime event. Homily for the Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Our desire for companionship suggests something profound about our Creator. Homily for Holy Trinity Sunday.

Three short stories testifying to the Holy Spirit's presence and activity, and an invitation to reflect on what could be preventing his fruitfulness. Homily for Pentecost.

Don't forget that Jesus has involved you in His mission. Let's dispense with the distractions and get to work. Homily for the Ascension of the Lord.

Jesus said that if we love him, we'll keep his commandments and he will send us the Holy Spirit. This implies that something is present that allows the Holy Spirit to do his work. Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter and Mothers Day.

Our church will no doubt be a reflection of God's building us up into a spiritual house, but He has left space for us to contribute, too. Let's work to assure that the church really is an authentic reflection of our life of faith. Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter and our annual Discipleship Renewal.

By saying that He is the gate, and on the other side is salvation, Jesus seems to be suggesting that following Him has to do only with the individual and Jesus--walk through the gate and be saved. But upon closer inspection, it's clear the Apostles understood that differently. Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter.

Homily for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Homily for Good Friday.

Homily for Holy Thursday.

Christ became poor to enrich us. What real impact does that have on our lives? Palm Sunday Homily.

If Lazarus' illness and death were for the glory of God--that who He is might be revealed--then might our sufferings and sadnesses be part of God's larger plan? Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Freedom from fears is possible, but it seems to require admitting our ignorance and limitations. Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent.